Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of past cultures and societies through the examination of the material remains that human populations have left behind. County Laois has a rich and varied archaeological heritage, some of which has been revealed further through recent excavations.

Archaeology includes monuments above or below the ground, including buildings, ruins, tombs, graves and sites where people lived or carried out industry.

Killeshin Church

Individual archaeological objects are also of great importance. As there is no county museum or designated repository in County Laois, all archaeological objects that are discovered should, by law, be deposited with the National Museum. If any archaeological object is found, the National Museum of Ireland should be contacted as soon as possible, Telephone 01-6777444.

The archaeology of Laois is described in the Archaeological Inventory of County Laois (1995), available from bookshops or directly from Wordwell Books